Imprisonment of two brothers of M. de Falais--persecution in the
Low Countries and in France.
GENEVA, _19th July 1549_.
You know of the letter we have received from Bullinger. I was hoping
the Bernese were going to give over negotiations. At all events,
the inhabitants of Zurich see now with what just reason we in time
past complained of our broken heads. Haller lately confessed to me
that he would gladly have written, had Schirma not been afraid. I
certainly excuse what does not provoke such rage. The people of
Zurich might have obtained their wishes from the Senate, had they
not stripped themselves of all liberty. For they have so often
repeated this old song--that they should abide by things as they
were, that nothing further should be done, that something deceptive
always lurked under the guise of harmony--that they are now ashamed
to say a word on the opposite side. Nothing remains for them now
but to suppress everything, or follow that new plan of yours. I
was astonished that Viret did not indicate by a single word what
was your opinion of them both. Be sure to let me know at your very
first opportunity what arrangement you think should be made. I have
nothing further to add except that two of M. de Falais' brothers are
in prison.[246] After the Emperor had given them a polite reception,
he sent them to Granvelle. He received them courteously also. On
leaving him, they were bound by the officer, and thrust hastily into
prison. They were then removed to the Castle of Villevord, whence no
one is brought forth except for punishment. Awful persecution blazes
now over that region; let us then assist the godly brethren with
our prayers.[247] The Frenchman is as mad as ever. He wished to be
present at the burning of two [martyrs] lately.[248] May the Lord
by his own power put a check upon his atrocious ferocity. Amen.
[246] The names and fate of these two brothers of M. de Falais are
not known.
[247] See the account of the persecutions in Hainault in _L'Histoire
des Martyrs_, p. 184. A woman named Mary was buried alive. A learned
Frenchman named M. Nicolas, endured courageously the torment of the
stake, crying out in the midst of the flames: "O Charles, Charles,
how long will thy courage endure?"
[248] One of the martyrs here referred to was a poor tailor, who,
led before the King and Diana of Poictiers, made a courageous
confession of his faith, addressed stern words to _la favorite_,
and was condemned to perish in the flames. The king wished to be a
spectator of his sufferings, "and, to command a better view, went to
the house of Sieur de la Rochepot, opposite the stake. The martyr
remained firm, and having perceived the king, he fastened on him
a look so fixed and penetrating, that the affrighted monarch was
forced to retire; and he afterwards repeatedly confessed, that the
look of that man incessantly pursued him, and that he never again
wished to be present at a fine spectacle."--_Histoire des Martyrs_,
p. 189, Bèze, tom. i. p. 79.
We all salute you. Salute also, in turn, all our friends, and
especially our fellow-ministers. I infer that you have been deceived
about Christopher, because you had supposed he was going to come
hither. Respectful regards to him.--Yours,